CDC reports 21 cases of Oropouche among travelers returning from Cuba

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least 21 cases of Oropouche virus illness have been reported among American travelers returning from Cuba.

"Oropouche virus is an emerging arthropod-borne virus in the Americas. Recent reports of outbreaks in areas without previous endemic transmission, fatal cases, and vertical transmission associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes have raised concerns about human health risks," the CDC wrote in a report released Tuesday.

According to the agency, since late 2023, the Oropouche virus has been identified as the cause of large outbreaks in Amazonian regions with known endemic transmission and in new areas of South America and the Caribbean. The virus is transmitted to humans by infected biting midges and some species of mosquitoes.

"Clinicians and public health jurisdictions should be aware of the occurrence of Oropouche virus disease in U.S. travelers and request testing for suspected cases. Travelers should prevent insect bites when traveling, and pregnant persons should consider deferring travel to areas experiencing outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease," the CDC said.

The agency explained that the clinical signs and symptoms of Oropouche virus disease are similar to those of other arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya. They occur after an incubation period of 3 to 10 days.

Americans who presented with the illness reported fever (95%), myalgia (86%), headache (76%),fatigue or malaise (62%), and arthralgia (57%).

Finally, CDC indicated that it is developing a plan to deal with the arrival of cases in the United States. "CDC is working with state public health jurisdictions and international partners to enable rapid detection and surveillance of Oropouche virus transmission and disease to guide public health prevention measures," the centers stated.